AFL: one of Australia’s essential sights for British travellers

A rite of passage for a lot of people is to spend a year in Australia. The year between 2009/10 590,000 British people holidayed there. Considering Australia’s size of 7,692,024 km2, the sixth largest country in the world, it is hardly surprising that people end up missing out on a lot of things. So, if you are heading to Australia, what should you definitely see?

Aussie Rules Football

Considering how big a sporting state Australia is, it is criminal that most people that visit don’t end up attending a sporting event. Aussie Rules is the most popular sport Down Under and unlike other popular sports there (cricket, rugby, football) it is completely unique to Oz. The AFL, the top Aussie Rules league has teams from all over Australia, so wherever you are you can catch a bit of the action. This hard hitting, high octane sport is completely enthralling, the passion from the fans is dumb-founding and the fun you will have with the rowdy crowd is incomparable to any other sporting event. If you are in Melbourne, then you should definitely try and see Hawthorn Hawks; they play at a 100,024 capacity stadium, are one of the strongest teams in the AFL and are always a good bet on Aussie Rules.

Great Barrier Reef

Located off the Coral Coast, Queensland, is the Great Barrier Reef, the world’s largest coral reef system and a joy to behold. With 2,900 individual reefs and 900 islands stretching more than 2,300 kilometres you would think it would be hard to miss, which in fact it is – the reef is visible from space. The Great Barrier Reef is currently classed as one of our seven wonders in the world, and rightly so. Not only is it aesthetically pleasing but the wildlife it supports is incredible. There have been thirty recorded species of whales, dolphins and porpoises recorded in the area. Over 1,500 fish species live there, including 125 species of sharks, stingrays, skates and chimaera. Reptiles also lurk: 17 species of sea snakes call it home, crocodiles lurk in the marshy surrounding area whilst giant sea turtles often go there to breed. That is the beauty of the Great Barrier, there is no other place in the world that is so alive. You soon realise that the world is not here to serve you (mankind) but you are simply one cog in this holistic world.

Sydney Opera House

Going from one of nature’s greatest sights to one of man’s greatest constructions, the Sydney Opera House is a wonder of the world in its own right. Situated alongside the gorgeous Sydney Harbour, the Opera House is an awe inspiring steel construction and one that is synonymous with the city and the country as a whole. Jorn Utzon’s design has stood the test of time. Since opening in 1971 it has grown to become one of the most distinctive buildings in the world, which, when you consider people have had over 40 years to try and better it makes it all the more impressive. People often forget that things go inside this beacon of Australia but the performances inside are certainly befitting of their grandeur environment. The Opera House is one of Australia’s greatest sons and well worth a visit; if you are not lucky enough to get tickets to a performance then a tour is not too bad an alternative.

Of course Australia has much more to offer than the three things listed here; these are just things that should definitely be visited. Down Under is a great place to be. The weather’s great and the people even better, so regardless, you will have a whole lot of fun.